I’m Still Standing
To exist is political. Mike looks back on his 3-year quest with both triumph and remorse, performing a cappella the Elton John smash hit "I'm Still Standing."
Ignorance vs Arrogance
Mike discusses the concept of ignorance, particularly in the context of political and social discourse.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
These episodes focus on the concept of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring various facets of intelligence itself and distinguishing real from artificial intelligence. We question how intelligence is defined, debate whether it involves acquiring and retaining information, goal-oriented learning, and the ability to adapt or alter goals.
Fall and Football
Mike takes a walk through The Ohio State University campus during a picturesque autumn afternoon, reflecting on the recent Presidential election in the US and describing a personal sense of shock and a collective desire to avoid the topic.
WANDA’s Legacy
Broadcasting in transit aboard a commuter bus in Columbus, Mike reflects on his relationship with WANDA, the bright musical baton that routinely accompanies his commutes throughout the city, discussing the factors that necessitated its creation in the first place - unsafe streets that expose pedestrians to motor vehicle collisions and tragic accidents - and remembering its evolution into a political creed for pedestrian safety and commuter accessibility.
The Great American Circle Jerk
Mike marvels at the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) corporation for its unmatched ability to profit from drumming up conflict and division among young Americans.
No Good Deed
Having reach his wit's end, Mike vents some of his burnout and profound frustration, brooding in the cruel irony of facing imminent eviction, following his unsuccessful efforts to help house and support others through his nonprofit Crimson Rouge Studios. He defends his altruistic initiatives, reflecting candidly on the emotional and financial toll of trying to spark something in the face of community indifference, seeing it as a symptom of a systemic ill of pettiness and lack of gratitude nationally.
How My Hometown Has Changed
Mike expresses his deep concern for the political shift in his home state of Ohio, attributing it partly to demographic changes linked to the shale gas boom and an exodus of college-bound graduates away to coastal cities.
Humility, Listening & Understanding
Mike shares his thoughts on the declining state of American society, emphasizing the loss of humility and genuine understanding in online and real-life conversations.
Mike also expresses his deep concern for the political shift in his home state of Ohio, attributing it partly to demographic changes linked to the shale gas boom and an exodus of college-bound graduates away to coastal cities.
The Portland She-bacle
Two years after the 2020 West Coast wildfires, Mike recounts the traumatic events he faced mere months after moving to Portland, Oregon. Bearing such emotional weight has been a lonely journey, as I was reminded while trying to share this with loved ones who would find themselves overwhelmed.
Off to Work
Mike shares his morning routine getting ready for work, including his daily tradition of the playing the national anthem, as a way to wake up and reflect on his fondness for the country despite current political frustrations. Over a quick cup of coffee, he touches on current events and some of his latest Louisiana observations before heading out the door for work.
Healing from the Past
Mike enjoys a blissful Sunday morning and expresses gratitude for a wonderful date last night that helped heal his recent traumas of surviving abuse and homelessness.
Silence Means BE QUIET
Silence is an unnatural state that induces discomfort. But it also reveals the extent to which we are accustomed to a noisy world.
Conservatively Speaking
Mike explains his conservative political views, reframing it with the intent of restraining government and/or curbing societal excesses. He likens our persisting depletion of resources to the consumption of frozen beverages in that it occurs in abrupt stages, rather than a linear decrease in supply.
The Peace and Stability We’ve Taken for Granted
Mike contemplates the fragility of global stability and the passage of time as he celebrates his 36th birthday.
Spring in the Bayou State
Mike provides an update from his home in Alexandria, discussing his latest project to develop a wireless audio scheme to connect all the Bluetooth speakers in the house, before inviting us on a "virtual date" in which he divulges some personal thoughts and anecdotes in his dating life.
Let's Not Talk About Politics
Mike reflects on the global instability sparked by the invasion of Ukraine and his anxieties regarding the potential for similar conflict in Taiwan. He's concerned about American apathy and a wavering in the nation's role as a defender of democracy.
Discord
Mike speaks to a profound sense of social disconnect he experienced while living in the Pacific Northwest, describing it as operating on a different "frequency" than that of the people there. Using the analogy of mismatched frequencies (60 Hz vs. 50 Hz) between two AC electric power systems, he recalls moments in social settings in which his contributions were seemingly ignored or overlooked, leading to a deeper awareness of his challenge trying to be sync with those around him.
Ruth Vader Ginsburg
Broadcasting from Michigan, Mike explores an electric range of topics, including cryptocurrency, stock market trends, local dispensary products, and the French language. He discovers a “Ruth Vader Ginsburg” meme featuring the late Supreme Court Justice dragged in Darth Vader drag.
Emergency Wine
Mike sips some mid-shelf wine from his Montreal safe house, which has been spared the national emergency down in the States.